Russian forces launched a series of attacks across Ukraine overnight, injuring multiple people in Sumy and Odesa, as negotiations continue to stall. The attacks, which included 120 drones and Iskander missiles, targeted civilian infrastructure, according to Ukrainian officials.
Von der Leyen: “Moscow uses the cold as a weapon, we will support Kyiv”
"Russia is using the cold as a weapon of war. But Ukraine’s resistance is remarkable and European solidarity remains as strong as ever. We are rebuilding Ukraine’s energy network and improving its protection. We are supporting Ukraine during this winter." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X.
Media: “Thailand hub for Chinese drones destined for Russia”
Thailand has grow a transit hub for Chinese drones heading to Russia in violation of Western sanctions, according to the Moscow Times. Russia imported drones from Thailand worth $125 million in the first 11 months of 2025, an 88 percent increase from the previous year (in 2022, drone exports from Thailand totaled only $1 million, none of which were sent to Russia). During the same period, China exported $186 million worth of drones to Thailand, almost all of the country’s drone imports. Most of the Chinese drones, valued at $144 million, were sold by China Thai Corp, which was sanctioned by the UK last October.
Russia: “Kyiv uses information from Russian soldiers' posts on Telegram”
The FSB has raised concerns about the risk posed by Russian soldiers using Telegram, hinting at a possible ban of the platform used by millions of Russians and where military bloggers post. Information contained in the messages could be used by Ukrainian intelligence services "in a short time," endangering the lives of soldiers, according to Moscow intelligence, citing "reliable information." Moscow is promoting the Max app as an alternative, but its adoption has been leisurely.
Crosetto: “The US is still needed for Defense, it would be a mistake to move it alone”
The United States remains "the elder brother" and it would be "a mistake" to let them think "People can do it alone." Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto asserted Italy’s role as a bridge in an interview set to air tomorrow evening on PresaDiretta. Responding to a question about whether maintaining dialogue with the US could weaken Europe’s response to Russian threats, Crosetto stated: "I think both things must be done. On the one hand, we must make Europe more united and stronger, build critical mass, and come together to demonstrate that we know how to break down the walls that have always divided us." The minister continued during the interview, which will be broadcast in full on PresaDirettaOpen, "before we walk on our own two feet, in the field of deterrence and defense, we need a few more years." Crosetto concluded, "we still need the elder brother that is the United States, which has enormous defense and deterrence capabilities superior to ours because they have invested more in recent decades to be engaged. It would be a mistake, in this moment of transition in which we are seeking to become autonomous but are not yet, to let the United States understand that we can do it alone."
Zelensky speaks with Rutte: “Allies on many aspects of diplomatic work”
"I spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. We discussed all key aspects of our diplomatic work and I am pleased that, in many areas, our views are aligned. I shared updates on preparations for the upcoming trilateral format with the United States and Russia, as well as what we know about possible changes in the positions of the parties. We also discussed the energy situation and the need to continue work within the Purl initiative. I am grateful to all European countries that are investing in our defense through Purl." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X.
Ukraine: Russian industry hit 1,400 kilometers from the border
Ukraine has attacked an industrial site in the Republic of Udmurtia, in the heart of Russia, where a state missile production facility is located. The facility is over 1,400 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, and according to the local health minister, 11 people were injured in the attack. The Russian unofficial news channel Astra reported on Telegram that the Votkinsk plant (2,000 kilometers east of Kyiv), which produces Iskander ballistic missiles, was hit and is a major project of the Russian Ministry of Defense. Images from the scene show black smoke and shattered windows.
Moscow: “Retaliation against South Korea if it participates in aid plan for Ukraine”
Moscow will be forced to take retaliatory measures, including asymmetrical ones, if Seoul participates in the Purl (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) program, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated, according to the Tass news agency. "We would like to once again emphasize that any participation of the Republic of Korea in such supplies, in any form, direct or indirect, will only delay the prospects of resolving the conflict. This will undoubtedly cause irreparable damage to relations between Russia and the Republic of Korea and destroy the prospects of restoring a constructive dialogue on the Korean Peninsula," she said.
Orban: “Could cut electricity to Kyiv if it doesn’t unblock oil pipeline”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán warned Ukraine that it could interrupt the supply of electricity if Kyiv does not resume the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline. This was written by the Tass agency on X. "A significant portion of the electricity comes to Ukraine from Hungary and, if we stop supplying it, there could be major problems. The Slovaks raised the issue yesterday and, if necessary, we will take action," Orbán said, broadcast by Hungarian television channels. Orbán stated that, in response to Ukraine’s hostile actions, Hungary has interrupted the supply of diesel fuel and blocked a €90 billion loan from the European Union.
Air alert in Kyiv, hospital damaged in Kharkiv
An air alert has been declared in Kyiv and several regions of Ukraine due to the threat of ballistic missiles. According to Ukrinform, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the threat on Telegram. Also, according to Ukrinform, in Chuhuiv, in the Kharkiv region, a hospital and a multi-story building were damaged following an attack with a Russian drone. The city mayor Halyna Minaeva reported this on Telegram. "Today, around 8:46 a.m., a Russian drone was recorded hitting an open area in the city center. Damage was recorded to the windows of a multi-story building and a medical facility." She added that there were no casualties among the city’s residents.
EU: “All countries honor political agreement on loan to Kyiv”
"On the occasion of the European Council meeting in December, a unanimous political agreement was reached to provide €90 billion to support Ukraine’s budgetary and military needs over the next two years. On this basis, the European Commission adopted a series of legislative proposals on January 14." EU sources emphasized this regarding the veto announced by Budapest on the final approval of the loan. "We expect all member states to honor this political agreement in view of the final adoption of the loan," they added.
Moscow: Karpivka village in Donetsk region captured
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that Russian forces have occupied the village of Karpivka in the Donetsk region.
New massive Russian attack: 120 drones and Iskander missile launched
A new massive Russian attack on Ukraine occurred overnight: Russian forces launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 120 drones from several directions. This was reported by Rbc-Ucraina citing a post on Telegram from the Air Force. At least 106 were shot down by Ukrainian air defense, while the ballistic missile and 13 drones hit 11 locations.
Russian attack on Sumy, two minors and an elderly woman injured
Russian forces launched an air attack on Sumy around 4 a.m. This morning, injuring three people, including two children. According to the Ukrainian National Police, the information was reported on Facebook. "Today, around 4 a.m., Russian troops launched an air attack on the city of Sumy - it reads - According to preliminary information, three people were injured, including two minors aged 5 and 17, and a 70-year-old woman hospitalized. The injured received the necessary medical assistance. Police investigative teams and specialized technicians are working at the scene.
Ukraine: new Russian attack on Odesa overnight
Russia returned to attack Odesa overnight. According to RBC-Ucraina, drones caused damage to urban infrastructure and several residential buildings, with several fires breaking out following the raid. Four residential buildings and a school were hit.
Russia, 77 Ukrainian drones intercepted and destroyed
Air defenses intercepted and destroyed 77 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions during the night.
This was reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense, according to the Tass agency: 24 in the Krasnodar region, 13 in Crimea, nine each in the Kursk and Rostov regions, eight in the Belgorod region, five in the Samara region, four in the Sea of Azov, three in the Saratov region and one each in the Volgograd and Voronezh regions.
Azarov, “Negotiations with Ukraine must continue, taking into account Russia’s objectives”
Negotiations with Ukraine must continue, but a compromise must satisfy Russia’s objectives. This was stated by former Ukrainian Prime Minister (2010-2014) Mykola Azarov to TASS.
"It cannot be otherwise - he specified - because the cost of the conflict is extremely high, and therefore attempts to discover common ground for a compromise are extremely important. Another question is what kind of compromise it will be, how it will satisfy Russia’s objectives and, above all, what objectives it will satisfy in terms of the interests of the Russian and Ukrainian people," he said.
Kyiv: Moscow preparing new attacks on energy sector
"In Ukraine, there is a trend to improve the situation of energy supply thanks to repairs and 24-hour heating, but energy sector operators are preparing for possible new attacks by the Russian Federation." This was written by RBC-Ukraine citing a post on the Telegram channel of Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal
Hungary: “Blocking loan to Ukraine until oil pipeline is unblocked”
"We are blocking the EU loan of €90 billion to Ukraine until the transit of oil through the Druzhba pipeline is resumed." This was written on X by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó.
"Since the beginning of the war, Hungary has been helping Ukraine. There are about 180,000 Ukrainians on our territory, we provide humanitarian aid, we organize joint government negotiations. We do much more for Ukraine than other countries," the minister continued. "The Ukrainian president does not want to understand our peaceful approach, and treats Hungary badly. First, he blocked the flow of gas to Slovakia, causing us damages of €500 million a year. Now he has interrupted the flow of oil, causing us further damage and logistical difficulties."
Zelensky: “US and Russia continue to request us to leave Donbas”
"Both the Americans and the Russians are telling us that if you want the war to end tomorrow, you have to leave Donbas." This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with AFP. Ukraine still controls about one-fifth of the Donetsk region, while Russia has taken virtually the entire Luhansk region: together, the two areas make up the Donbas.
